Description
A simple and delicious pesto recipe made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly.
- Add basil, pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Slowly pour in olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Blend briefly to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds.
- Store pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent discoloration.
- Freeze in ice cube trays for portioned use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
Keywords: pesto, basil pesto, homemade pesto, Italian sauce, easy pesto recipe